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Gasping, I sink back against the solid wood, chest heaving as I gulp in deep, shuddering breaths. Slowly, the roaring in my ears fades, and I become aware of my surroundings.
It’s a bedroom – small but cozy with a downy-looking mattress and soft lamplight casting a warm glow over the crisp white decor. There’s a full-length mirror mounted on the wall beside the bed. I freeze as movement in the glass catches my eye.
The figure staring back at me is all too familiar, yet utterly alien. Slitted eyes gleam from beneath a heavy brow, fangs protruding over a snarling muzzle. Coarse golden fur ripples over powerfully muscled limbs, claws gouging deep furrows into the hardwood floor with each agitated twitch.
No…no, no, no! Not again! I can’t let this happen…
“Mom!” I scream, my voice already deepening into an inhuman growl. “Mom, help! Get Barrett! Please…hurry!”
The doorknob rattles violently as she frantically tries to force her way in. “Barrett? Cedara, what are you talking about? Baby, what’s wrong? Open the door!”
I clamp my hands over my elongating muzzle, clenching my eyes shut as wave after wave of fiery agony lances through me. Bones grind and shift, skin stretching taut as wiry muscle and sinew force their way outward.
Why is it hurting?
It never used to hurt. These shifts aren’t natural.
“Please…” I beg through gritted teeth, the word barely intelligible. “Get…Bar…rett…”
I’m slipping away, thoughts growing disjointed. My mother’s frantic cries are lost in the roaring in my ears.
Chapter 14
Barrett
“This is getting ridiculous, Chord.” Jagger is pissed yet again. But that’s become his new normal lately. I guess being Alpha is not all fun and games.
“How do you figure that I’m to blame, dammit?” I scowl as we jog in the direction of the small town where our family units are based.
“You brought her here. She’s your responsibility.”
“I brought her here? She’s one of the Wildview wolves, Law. Your mate’s family. If anyone should be responsible for her, it’s you!” I’m an ass for saying it, but I’m starting to feel like a pinball being shot around a machine by a crazed toddler.
“You saying you don’t want to help? I thought she was supposed to be your ‘mate,’” he scoffs. We’re coming up to a red-brick building, and he’s slowing his pace.
“No! Of course I want to help, for fuck’s sake! I just don’t see why I should be getting into shit over this. She can’t help what’s happening to her.”
“Yeah. That’s what I’m worrying about.” Jagger is striding toward the building. I follow him as he heads through the entrance toward a stairwell, taking the stairs three at a time. When we reach the second floor, there’s a blue door hanging ajar halfway down the hall. Jagger heads to it. Before we can get inside, we’re met by a frazzled-looking Sybil.
“Alpha!” She dips her head in what appears to be a sort of curtsey. “I’m so sorry to impose this way.”
Jagger waves a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing.” He brushes past her. “Where is she?”
Sybil points into the apartment. “Down the hall. First room on the left.”
Jagger jerks his head at me. “Go on, then. Work your magic.”
I scowl at him but don’t respond. I’m already closing the distance to the door. When I get there, I can hear hoarse panting. I put my hand on the surface of the wood and pull in a deep breath.
“Cedara,” I say softly. There’s no response. “Cedara, it’s Barrett.”
Jagger has come up beside me. “What’s she doing?”
“Dammit, how the fuck am I supposed to know? We just got here!” I turn my attention back to the door. “Cedara…can you hear me, beautiful?” The panting slows for a moment.
Jagger has stopped talking, but he’s still hanging over my shoulder.
I look back at him. “Could I have some space here?”
